Contents

Methods

Natural Synthesis

Some bacteria and algae naturally produce hydrocarbons such as methane. Bioengineeredmicrobes could be used in an industrial scale. All living organisms use hydrocarbons for energy storage and the elaboration of living tissues. biomass is the portion of hydrocarbons that cannot be used as food.

Algae, bacteria and plants also produce complex hydrocarbons in the form of oils and fats for energy storage.

Artificial Synthesis

The building blocks of hydrocarbons, Hydrogen and Carbon, are readily available on Mars. Carbon Dioxide is the major component of the atmosphere. Water from the surface of Mars can be split through electrolysis. These building blocks are assembled through various chemical reactions.